The day was going smoothly and by the time afternoon came by the group had already finished most of the tasks for the day. The only thing that was left was to go hunting. Before the group set off Eldric suggested," Since our group is starting to grow bigger, it would be pointless for us to stay as a large group. Galen, what about you guys taking a small group of 2 or 3 including me and Caspian and lead the hunts."
"In doing so not only will we have a better chance at hunting a few animals. I believe we can raise our strengths easier when we hunt with a knight, and he could help raise our strength. What do you think?"
"Mhmm, indeed. Then what about we divide the groups of three, me and Solen will each take 3 people and Cael and the rest will take two. Any problems?" Galen asked. "Mhmn, no but if we are going to do it as so. I think we should refrain from going to the inner region of the forest." Solen said and suggested," Lachlan, you guys. If we do it so, there needs to be a few rules. No hunting dire beasts above or at your level. If the beast is at your level and you know you can take it, do it, but we have a group to consider now. Please be cautious."
"Then since it has been decided. Everyone divides yourself into groups. Be brave but return in one piece" Eldric said. The groups were quickly arranged, and they set off.
The groups had each decided to divide the regions they would take for a better effect. The groups Solen and Galen led were taking the middle regions bordering near the inner region. They only hunted near its border, even though the prey was plentiful, and the groups met a few low tier dire cubs on their way.
Nothing worth worrying about as they were quickly dealt with and posed no harm to the group. Then the other groups were hunting in the middle of the outer region. The group Eldric was in was led by Lachlan and they were searching near the lake. They too have caught some prey, nothing noteworthy though, until they stumbled upon a herd of northern mountain goats drinking from the lake. The Norhtern Mountain Goats are a well-known wild beast in Montania for their milk and the fact that they are quite timid animals.
The mountain goats boast a robust physique, with sturdy legs and weather-resistant fur in shades of white, silver, and gray. It had curved, spiraling horns and it displays exceptional agility and balance in the mountainous regions. They are a perfect livestock animal. Lachlan wanted to hunt some when Eldric stopped him and said, "Wait, these goats are more valuable alive."
"You mean to-" Lachlan said confused. "Yes, I want to keep them alive to tame them. So, we have to be careful about how we approach this. If they flee, we won't be able to capture them."
As they observed the goats from a distance, their minds raced with ideas on how to approach this endeavor. With careful consideration, they decided to use the goats' need for water as an advantage. The group knew that it would be the only time they could strike. They had come up with a strategy after a little brainstorming, they would use what they knew about the goats to capture them. They had thus built a small enclosure, just big enough to capture the herd.
They positioned themselves silently, hidden within the dense forest, waiting for the opportune moment. They knew that the element of surprise would be crucial in their endeavor to capture the goats unharmed.
They emerged from the forest, moving cautiously and silently to surround the unsuspecting herd. With synchronized precision, the men closed in on the goats from behind, forming a human barrier that prevented their escape. The goats, startled by the sudden presence of humans, instinctively tried to flee, but found themselves trapped within the circle of determined captors.
They were mindful of the goats' well-being and so they acted swiftly and skillfully. They herded the goats with gentle yet firm guidance, urging them towards a temporary enclosure they had prepared beforehand. With careful movements, they guided the goats through the narrowing gap, ensuring their safety and minimizing stress.
And as the last goat entered the enclosure, Lachlan sealed it closed. The group was excited, and cheers erupted before Lachlan quickly called out, "Careful! Keep quiet, we are still in the woods. If you make too much noise and attract dire beasts we would be in trouble. Haiden, go back to the House and see if you can get another group to help us moved the goats." Lachlan ordered. The man called Haiden quickly sped off.
It took a while but after about two hours of anxiously waiting, Galen and his group could be seen coming from the trees. "Hahaha, indeed, they are mountain goats." Galen laughed and without anyone giving direction they tied up the goats and brought them back. The small herd consisted of 9 goats. Lachlan and Galen were able to carry two each and the rest carried one.
They trekked through the night toward the House. They were quiet and moved slowly for fear of alerting a nearby predator. Fortunately, the journey back went unhindered, and the group finally returned to the House. "Where do we put them?" Lachlan asked. "Mhmm, let's create a makeshift shelter for them for now. Tomorrow we can get the details and build them a suitable enclosure." Evander suggested after seeing the group return with an impressive bounty.
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I created a discord server to show designs and so on.
https://discord.gg/DdWHs6xg